Since wheat germ does not contain original wheat berry's endosperm or bran, it is not classified as a whole grain. However, wheat germ does provide many different vitamins, minerals and nutrients that help your body function. Certain cereals and baked goods contain wheat germ. Adding wheat germ to your yogurt or topping your cereal with it guarantees that you experience its nutritional benefits.
Potassium
One-fourth cup of wheat germ contains 256 mg of potassium, a mineral that helps maintain balance between your body's water, fluids and cells. Potassium drives muscular contractions, helps your nerves' responses to stimuli and aids in the functioning of your cellular enzymes. Average adults require about 4,044 mg of potassium daily.
Phosphorous
One-fourth cup of wheat germ contains 242 mg of phosphorous, a mineral stored mostly in your teeth and bones. Phosphorous helps develop healthy teeth and bones, helps your body convert carbohydrates and fat into energy and aids in the synthesis of protein. Aiding in muscular contractions, maintaining a regular heartbeat and normal kidney functioning, phosphorous helps ensure that your body's internal organs and systems run smoothly. Adults require 700 mg of phosphorous each day.
Magnesium
One-fourth cup of wheat germ contains 69 mg of magnesium, a mineral that helps your heart, muscles and arteries function correctly. Magnesium, potassium and phosphorous are all macrominerals, which means that your body requires large amounts of them. Adults require 380 mg of magnesium daily.
Fiber
One-fourth cup of wheat germ contains 3.8 g of fiber, contributing to females' daily requirement for about 25 g of fiber and males' daily requirement for 30 g or more. Fiber is a carbohydrate that the body does not digest. It promotes bowel regularity, reduces constipation, helps lower LDL, or bad cholesterol, levels and may help prevent heart disease and weight gain.
Folate
One-fourth cup of wheat germ contains 81 mcg of folate, one of the B vitamins that helps produce new and healthy cells. Folate plays a vital role during conception and the early stages of pregnancy; its presence dramatically reduce the baby's chances of developing spina bfidia and brain and spinal abnormalities. Adults require 400 mg of folate daily.
Protein
One-fourth cup of wheat germ contains 6.66 g of protein, a complex compound present in every cell within your body. Composed of a chain of amino acids, protein repairs cells, constructs new cells and helps build strong muscles, organs, skin and glands. Your daily requirement for protein depends on your age and health. MedlinePlus, a National Institutes of Health online resource, recommends eating two to three servings of protein rich foods each day to meet your needs.
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